The employment in the Fruit and Vegetables Processing Sector in the UK has shown varying trends from 2013 to 2023. The employment stood at 30.18 thousand FTE in 2023, with notable fluctuations over the observed period. It peaked in 2017 with a value-driven increase of 4.46% compared to 2016, followed by a sharp decline of 13.28% in 2018. The subsequent years witnessed moderate fluctuations with a general downtrend evident since 2017. Over the last two years (2022-2023), the sector experienced a slight year-on-year decline averaging -0.33%. The CAGR for the last five years (2018-2023) averaged around -0.28%.
The forecast anticipates a continuation of this slow declining trend up to 2028, with projected employment decreasing from 30.07 thousand FTE in 2024 to 29.65 thousand FTE in 2028.
Future Trends to Watch for:
- Automation and technological advancements may further reduce the need for manual labor.
- Sustainability trends and regulatory changes could impact both production processes and employment needs.
- Market demand for processed fruits and vegetables influenced by consumer preferences towards fresh and organic products.
- Global trade policies and Brexit implications on the sector's labor force and supply chains.
